The Human Rights Commission has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing COVID-19 related hostility.
The campaign, called Dial It Down, is meant to increase communication and reduce the amount of anger, tension and hostility around the virus.
"Across Aotearoa - in person and online - anger, tension and hostility around COVID-19 is high. Whether the aggressions are between strangers, colleagues or whānau, the rhetoric is dividing us. People may have been separated by geographical borders but they're also increasingly parted by viewpoints.
"Dial it Down recognises that we all have a right to freedom of opinion and expression, but that entrenched, polarised views are a danger to society and to people. Encouraging us to consider our netiquette and 'Take a break from the heat', the campaign reminds people to 'comment with dignity' and 'be nice'," the Human Rights Commission said in a statement.
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said while it's okay to feel passionate about the pandemic, it's important to keep conversations civil.
"It's not okay to personally attack people. You may feel like you are banging your head against the wall because of an argument, but keep in mind that you have more in common with the person on the other side of the discussion than you have differences.
"Asking whether you'd say the same thing in person when commenting on social media; acknowledging that you have more in common than not; and staying passionate without getting personal; are all tips being promoted by the campaign to dial down the anger a notch."
Foon said the campaign is about encouraging people to show empathy and serves as a reminder that everyone should have their voices heard, and be safe from discrimination.
"Unfortunately, we're seeing a rise in anger directed towards each other. We all need to work together to create conditions that make social inclusion a reality."
The campaign comes after the Commission was flooded by hundreds of complaints related to COVID-19, many of which were about being on the receiving end of divisive, derogatory and damaging sentiments.
It comes after a report on Monday warned New Zealand isn't immune to division and the COVID-19 pandemic and Christchurch terror attack have put the country's social cohesion under pressure.
